The latest Luke Hochevar MLB and fantasy baseball news

Kansas City Royals RP Luke Hochevar (elbow) is throwing his curveball in spring camp, even though that was the pitch that blew out his elbow and forced him into Tommy John surgery.

Fantasy Tip: Hochevar's thinking is to go back to what worked before the injury, and his curve made Hochevar an important piece of the bullpen. In leagues with more of an emphasis on relievers, Hochevar could be more valuable, but it will take time for him to return.

Kansas City Royals RP Luke Hochevar (elbow) is making his way back from Tommy John surgery and his readiness for opening day is in question. He has yet to experience a setback in rehab, but is still considered behind his teammates in the preseason progression. While other pitchers are throwing bullpen sessions every other day, Hochevar has been assigned two days off in between mound appearances.

Fantasy Tip: Hochevar is no longer in the plans for the rotation, but he is expected to be an important part of the team's bullpen.

Kansas City Royals RP Luke Hochevar (elbow) has been throwing in 30-pitch stints as spring training nears. "Mostly fastballs and changeups," Hochevar said. "I'll probably start throwing curves once we get to spring." Hochevar recorded a 1.92 ERA with 82 strikeouts in 70 1/3 innings back in 2013 before his Tommy John surgery. He is confident he'll be ready for opening day.

Kansas City Royals RP Luke Hochevar will earn $4 million in base salary in 2015 and $5.5 million in 2016. His deal has a $7 million mutual option for 2017 that includes a $500,000 buyout, as well as performance escalators that can boost his salary from $5.5 to $6.5 million in 2016. Hochevar can earn $500,000 worth of incentives for non-closing relief work, $500,000 of incentives for closing work and up to $2 million for starting.

Kansas City Royals RP Luke Hochevar hopes to pitch off a mound later this month. Hochevar noted he feels better now than he did before his Tommy John surgery, which caused him to miss the entire 2014 season.